As many homeowners would agree, the garage is one of the most difficult spaces to organize. Over time, it becomes a dumping site for all sorts of odds and ends. And soon enough, one cannot get around without jumping over objects.
However, there is no need to fret. With the following 5 tips on how to organize a garage, even the most cluttered space can be turned into the most organized room.
1. Optimize On Wall and Ceiling Storage
Few homeowners remember to look beyond the floor when organizing the garage. The four walls of a garage as well as the ceiling offer lots of room for storage.
To make the most of the walls, install shelving units. These will help keep items off the floor and reduce the look of clutter. Pegboards and cabinets will also come in handy for organizing tools and toxic items.
Ensure that the latter are kept in locked storage, out of reach of children and pets.
For items that are only used occasionally, ceiling storage offers a great recourse. Consider storing such things as skis and surfboards on ceiling racks.
Bicycles can easily find a spot on the walls using hook. With these approaches, it becomes possible to free up floor space.
2. Use Bins to Separate and Organize Items
Bins offer limitless potential with regards to organizing a garage. They help keep similar items together and avoid clutter on shelves. Moreover, bins provide a home for the smaller items but always remember to label them for easy access.
They are available in a variety of sizes making it possible to find the perfect fit for any storage needs. Additionally, air-tight bins offer proper storage for items that require such facilities.
Some homeowners choose to use transparent bins that afford a peek into the inside, making it easy to spot exactly what one needs.
3. Buy a Garage Refrigerator
For convenience purposes and storing food and drinks, many homeowners choose to store the refrigerator in the garage. While this may save lots of kitchen space, there are important factors to consider.
In most cases, the garage is not air-conditioned and could be subject to extreme weather conditions. This would give regular refrigerator tons of work keeping its contents in the right temperature. It would be wise to consider conditions in a given garage before determining the right refrigerator for space.
4. Organize for Every Season
Especially in small garage spaces, it is important to reorganize every season. For instance, keeping camping gear or kayaks in far-off overhead storage might be impractical during summer. Rotating the arrangement will save lots of time and allow for easier access to frequently used items.
Alternatively, for a garage where space is not an issue, one could think about allocating space for seasonal items. When the holiday season comes around, the decorations and outdoor furniture will be easily accessible.
5. Plan Ahead
One of the mistakes many people make is organizing the garage in a rush. In a bid to get things out of the way and clear the mess, one might throw everything in a bin. But when the time comes to find such items things quickly turn nightmarish.
Planning for a reorganization project will mean getting the right storage equipment ahead of time. When D-day comes, it will be much easier to know where everything goes and label storage facilities accordingly.
Moreover, by planning ahead, it becomes easier to know which items to donate or discard and which ones to keep.
Depending on the state of the garage, it might become necessary to take everything out and start from scratch, Such projects are best undertaken during summer months when the weather will not get in the way.
A Never-Ending Project
Organizing a garage is not a one-off project and will require a lot of dedication from all family members. By allocating every member of the household their own space, it becomes easier to maintain the discipline required.
It might also help to set aside a permanent donations’ bin so as to avoid letting unused items become unnecessary clutter.
In order to create and maintain a neat garage, it is important to keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. But by taking into consideration these 5 tips on how to organize a garage, a clutter-free garage can be within reach for every home owner.
